OP, like many other desirable places in the US, the housing prices in Portland really skyrocketed during the pandemic. Rich Americans bought second or third homes in Portland. Ask a local realtor to show you rates of increases.

Portland can be a really nice place to be. Maybe give it a try. Summers are great there. I have never been there in the winter.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New Englanders are cold people. The food is bland. The weather is awful in winter (though lovely in summer). I would stay in DC.

-Wife of a New Englander

None of this is accurate, although if you hate winter then don't move here.

-Native New Englander who lives in MidCoast Maine

I think Maine differs from the rest of New England. I have found Maine people to be down to earth, practical and friendly. They lack the superiority complex the Massachusetts & uppity parts of NE have.

The word you're looking for is Mainers.

But a lot of the people who are residents of the Portland area are not Mainers. NP